'This is not an industry for the soft-hearted' — five minutes with Olefied Khetha

Olefied Khetha is a singer and songwriter that has become one of Mzansi's hottest stars and is on everyone's radar.

Growing up, he was surrounded by a family with a rich heritage in rhythm and poetry. His mother, a poet and sangoma, instilled in him a love for the spoken word while his grandfather, a leader and songwriter for a Scathamiya group, laid the foundation for his rhythmic inclinations.

He has already made significant strides in the music industry, releasing an EP My Story in Different Colors in 2019 and another titled Enough in 2021.

His song Ezintabeni was featured in the American film Loving A Younger Man and has graced the screens of Mzansi's renowned soap opera Rhythm City for several months, with tracks like B.U.K.A, Umlungu, Bazoyimela, and My Olefied Queen resonating with the audience.

We spoke to the rising star about his music and future ventures:

How would you describe your journey in the music industry?

The journey has been nothing but amazing, sometimes very surprising because as I grow I learn new things. But I can't complain because I guess whatever happens, happens for a reason and also because it is aligned with God's plan. I've also learnt that this is not an industry for the soft-hearted hence I said very surprising, because even though it is fun and everything, it can also be cruel. The journey has given me a lot of different feelings about a lot of things happening and a lot of people I've worked with. Sometimes I'd be happy and some other times I'd cry, but all in all I've learnt.

Having collaborated with renowned stars, including Zakes Bantwini, Big Zulu, Mthandazo Gatya, Alie Keys, and Zakwe among others, what is your process with selecting a feature and the process of working with them?

I'd say it has been an honour to have collaborated with some of the industry giants because I got to learn how some of the ones I grew up looking up to do things. All of the big features I have, it was just a matter of them wanting to work with me because they believe I have the talent and skill of making a nice song. All of the other features that are mine came after I'd created relationships with some of these big names. My process with regards to selecting a feature is easy. I always create the song alone first then if I feel it needs a feature I then approach whoever I believe is perfect for that song. If it happens that we're in studio and we have to create a song together, I always prefer to create an idea and let the other artist create their idea as well, then play around with both of them to see which one works better.

Who are your biggest music influences?

My idol is K.O, I love the way he moves, the way he does business and how he always has a way of staying relevant. But when it comes to creating music I don't look up to anyone, I just do what I do best by the influence of our everyday lives.

How do you define success as an artist?

For me success is all the achievements you get through your journey as an artist. It doesn't have to be big mansions, fancy cars or a lot of money, but all the knowledge you've gained count as success. All the compliments, recommendations and collaborations also count as success no matter how small they are. Success to me is being able to say you've taken one step forward from where you were yesterday.